Pro League diamonds in the rough

In the first of a two-part series, Wired868 reviews the standout performers at the mid-term mark in 2012/13 Digicel Pro League.

Here is a list of the League’s upcoming talent that are destined for bigger and better things.

(Starting XI)

Zane Coker (St Ann’s Rangers/ Goalkeeper/ 23 years old):

Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA might have missed a trick in allowing Coker to leave for St Ann’s Rangers in the last pre-season. The 23-year-old goalkeeper rarely has a straightforward evening behind one of the Pro League’s most inexperienced line-ups. If he can survive the mental scarring of some lopsided defeats, he can be one for the future.

The lanky, athletic utility player had a stop-start season due to injuries, trials and international duty. On his game, Cyrus is probably Trinidad and Tobago’s most gifted central defender and the former World Youth Cup defender won’t be in the Pro League for long.

Tall, strong and quick over the first few metres, Muhammad has developed into a sturdy central defender. Not flashy but capable of getting the job done.

Kareem Moses (North East Stars/ Central defender/ 22 years old):

Fast and tough as nails, Moses has been an ever-present in one of the League’s stingiest defences. He made his competitive senior debut for Trinidad and Tobago last year but has a real challenge to keep his place with likes of Robert Primus and Sheldon Bateau due to be pencilled in. Moses is good at battling, though.

The 2012/13 Pro League season has been the making of the former World Youth Cup defender as he burst into prominence with Caledonia and the Trinidad and Tobago senior team. The tall, mobile defender can play anywhere in the back four but has done an admirable shift at left back. A good prospect at either full back position.

Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force/ Utility player/ 24 years old):

Another versatile ex-World Youth Cup player, “Boyo” can play anywhere in the back four but has done yeoman service as a midfield bouncer this season. He is Army’s version of Stephan David, only younger, faster and meaner. Still learning his trade but he picks up fast.

Joevin Jones (DIRECTV W Connection/ Utility player/ 21 years old):

The talented left-footer is potentially Trinidad and Tobago’s best utility player since “Marvellous” Marvin Faustin. He can spot a clever short or long pass, has a cracking shot from open play and delivers a mean set piece. He should score more though. Jones won’t be around for long either; go see him.

You have to be pretty special to keep the coach’s son on the bench. Sebro torments defenders with his pace and step overs but tracks back to help out on the defensive end too. He is still learning his trade but the potential is there. In case you’re wondering, Ross Russell Jr is not bad either.

Winchester is so good at finding space in tight pockets that he could probably jump rope in a telephone booth. He is finally finding his range in front of the opposing goal too with seven League goals this season. He might have already scored his last in our domestic competition though as he moved from W Connection to the Finland Premier League on Monday.

Trayon Bobb (Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA/ Left wing/ 19 years old):

“Bobby” is probably the most gifted teenager in the Caribbean at present. Quick, fearless and skilful, the Guyana international is destined for bigger things once he keeps his feet on the ground and his decision making continues to improve.

The towering striker is a handful in the air and possesses a keen predatory instinct in the opposing penalty area too. His work ethic is a big asset too and he might push Kenwyne Jones for the number nine role in a year or two. A better first touch would triple his value.

Standbys:

Omar Charles (Central FC/ Defender/ 20 years old): Lightening fast and a good reader of the game.

Jeromie Williams (North East Stars/ Holding midfielder/ 23 years old): As strong as a bison and a steady presence in central midfield.

About Lasana Liburd

Lasana Liburd is the CEO and Editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.

Well, Joevin Jones is arguably at his best in midfield. That’s where he plays for W Connection anyway. Curtis Gonzales plays there too for Defence Force although he is more of a destructive player.
There might be more midfielders in our second list. But the reality is that there are not many true “number 10s” in the local game at the moment. And that might be true of international football on a whole as well.
One guy who might fit the bill is Sherron Joseph at Caledonia AIA, who has just started to get playing time this season and is doing well. He was too late for our list though.

From what ive seen Jones can be a future star on the LW, hes played well against superior opposition. Im not as high on Gonzales tho, he looks like an average Pro League player.
Anyway thanks for the response, your article is very informative as always. Its good to get consistent insight of the Pro league for us US based.

3 weeks agoby wired868Chip off the old block? Mayo Youths attacker Tyrique Phillip (left) is on the prowl during RBYL South Zone Under-13 action on 7 April 2019. Tyrique is the son of Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team goalkeeper and 2001 World Youth Cup player, Marvin Phillip. Photo: Allan V Crane/CA-Images/Wired868

3 weeks agoby wired868Save boi! T&T Maestros goalkeeper Jaydon Thomas keeps out a shot with the help of the bar during RBYL North Zone Under-13 action at the Queen’s Park Savannah on 27 April 2019. Photo: Allan V Crane/CA-Images/RBYL